U.K. star Edmonds talks Stateside TV

The BBC’s top light entertainment star, Noel Edmonds, will fly to the United States in the next few days to resume negotiations for a U.S. TV deal, following Thursday’s news that he had agreed to a new four-year contract with the U.K. pubcaster.

Neither Edmonds nor the BBC would comment on the value of the contract, put by some sources at T10 million ($ 15.3 million).

Edmonds recently complained that his hands were tied in his discussions with “U.S. and Australian networks” because of a five-month delay in finalizing his BBC deal.

His new BBC contract covers his two hit shows, the family quiz “Telly Addicts” and “Noel’s House Party.”

The “House Party” format, a fast-paced mix of games, pranks and hidden camera set-ups involving celebs and viewers, is believed to have excited particular interest in the U.S. and Australia.

Of his U.S. talks, Edmonds would only say he had received “a very good offer to work outside the U.K.”